ABSTRACT
Introduction Since the beginning of time, conflict has always been part and parcel of human life. Globally speaking, some cultures have praised the virtues of conflict for its capacity to drive progress and innovation in their societies, whereas others, mainly collectivist cultures, have lamented that conflict is destructive for social harmony and a cohesive community life and should, therefore, be avoided at all costs. Meanwhile, philosophers and social scientists have, in different epochs, been grappling with this complex issue of conflict. For example, philosophers, including Plutarch, Hegel and Marx, have been interested in the paradox of conflict and its role as an impetus of progress, innovation and development.
